There’s more than one way to discover Hungary’s romantic city of Budapest. Whether you are a first time visitor or just looking for new things to see and do in Budapest, we have a top 10 list for you. Take a dip in one of the city’s famous baths, savor the local cuisine, check out some of the cool, funky shops featuring homegrown designs, walk across the Chain Bridge or just sit, relax and people-watch at one of the great downtown cafés.

First Time Visitor’s Top 10

1. Discover historic Castle Hill with a walking tour.
2. Take a Danube cruise for beautiful panoramic views of Buda and Pest.
3. Enjoy a performance at the world famous Budapest Opera House.
4. Shop with locals or try some traditional Hungarian food at Central Market Hall.
5. Take a dip and relax in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths.
6. Walk across Chain Bridge, the first bridge to connect Buda and Pest.
7. Visit Hungary’s Parliament Building, see the amazing architecture and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.
8. Window shop and people watch on Váci utca (grab a coffee but look elsewhere for restaurants).
9. Try an authentic Hungarian dish paired with vintage Hungarian wine. Best enjoyed at one these award winning Budapest restaurants.
10. Take a stroll on Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square and you’ll understand why Budapest is often called the Paris of the East.

Top 10 Off The Beaten Path

1. Discover the architecture, streets and courtyards of District 8’s palace neighborhood and Mikszáth Square.
2. Find unique treasures on Budapest’s Antique Row.
3. Mingle with the locals at one of Budapest’s Ruin Pubs.
4. Take a stroll along Városligeti Fasor, connecting the city center with City Park.
5. Visit WAMP, Budapest’s monthly design market to meet Hungarian contemporary designers and check out their creations.
6. Have a coffee, pastry or even lunch at Hadik Coffee House in Buda.
7. Go window shopping along Király utca, lined with funky boutiques and galleries.
8. Explore Óbuda, the oldest and lesser known part of Budapest.
9. Take a unique guided tour of Budapest to meet locals and learn about the culture.
10. Treasure hunt at the Ecseri Flea Market.

Top 10 Views of Budapest

1. Take in the beautiful panorama from the top of Gellért Hill.
2. You will love the vistas of Pest from Fishermen’s Bastion.
3. Take a Danube cruise for beautiful panoramic views of both Buda and Pest.
4. Climb the stairs (or take the elevator) to the Basilica’s observation deck for some of the best views of Budapest.
5. Whether it’s day or night you will enjoy the views from the Danube Promenade.
6. Climb above the tunnel for some of the best views of Chain Bridge.
7. Track to the Elisabeth Lookout on János Hill for a full view of Budapest.
8. For the best street views take your seat on the top of the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour double-decker bus.
9. Take a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of the city.
10. Magnificent sunsets are included with cocktails served on the deck of Spoon Cafe.

Top 10 Free Things To Do in Budapest

1. Walk across Chain Bridge and you will understand why Budapest is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’.
2. Take a free walking tour or join Budapest Underguide for free Art Nouveau-themed guided tours.
3. Walk up to the summit of Gellért Hill for panoramic views of Budapest.
4. EU citizens bring your passport for a free tour of  Budapest’s Parliament Building.
5. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest. It’s free to enter the church and there is only a nominal fee of HUF 500 to go up to the observation deck.
6. Go for a jog or take a stroll around Margaret Island and/or City Park.
7. Enjoy the views from the Danube Promenade at night.
8. Relax in Károlyi Gardens, Szabadság Square or the Millenáris Park.
9. Visit museums for free during the ‘Night of the Museums‘, held annually in June.
10. Celebrate with the locals and enjoy the fireworks from the banks of the Danube on St. Stephen’s Day on August 20th.

Reposted/republished from the great folks over at Visit Budapest Travel. For more of their tips and insights, visit them here: https://visitbudapest.travel/activities/budapest-top-10/

Renee Blodgett

Renee Blodgett is the Founder and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.

Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.

Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.

She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.

Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.

Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.

A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.

Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.